Chandra Washington

About Me:

I am a Performing Artist, Writer, and Culinary Artist (Vegan and Raw Vegan cuisine). I am Artistic Director of "Healing Caravan," a multi-disciplined performance project, in which I also perform original dance, music/vocals, spoken-word, and theater. My vocal specialty is Jazz Improvisation; my ear for harmonizing has also afforded me background vocal work. My dance specialty is from the Ancient Mali Empire era of West Africa, improv modern, and a combination of the two. I also teach a style of dance I coin "Ancient Hip-Hop" (African dance/"street dance" amalgam). I also practice yoga.
As a writer, I am author of a short story and workbook for youth on self-acceptance and anti-bullying. My writing proficiency also extends into the area of administrative writing (drafting letters of correspondence, press releases, memorandums, etc) and even script writing. I am also proficient in organizing files/paperwork, and like tedious tasks (ex.: alphabetizing CD collections, inventory counting). I have a pleasant, professional phone manner, can manage multiple phone lines, and take accurate messages/notes.
My experience in food preparation ranges from catering to workshops to private lessons to personal chef, and I have interest in craft services setup for film locations. I can provide food preparation workshops, individual instruction and catering for small events (ex.: backstage food setup). I have been a practitioner of what I call "Healing Cuisine" and herbal nutrition for over 30 years.
I enjoy travel, hiking, biking, music, dance, performing, and would serve as a fun companion. If you are in need of a driver or companion for a long-distance drive, I also enjoy and have the endurance for driving long distances, backed by an impeccable driving record.
I am very personable, energetic, reliable, and have the the capacity to represent you/your service attractively and with integrity. Look forward to hearing from you!

Show more Responsibilities included drafting and editing company promotions, press releases, proposals, and correspondence, identifying media outlets and disseminating press information, collaborating on music compositions and song lyrics, conceptualizing a format for elementary school presentations, and performance in the presentations.

Show more Self-published cook booklet on vegan/raw vegan food preparation. (Author, 2012). Conduct demonstrations in food preparation, herbal use and preparation, and lead healthy shopping tours (Consultant, 1981 - Present). Lectured and conducted an herbal walk; demonstrated juicing and food preparation techniques at a retreat for women (Diva Divine Retreat, June, 2011). Served as Healthy Eating Mentor for youth group; conducted workshop in wholesome food selection and preparation (PODER, 2010). Commissioned to edit and author articles on herbal nutrition and vegetarian food preparation (Usha Institute, 1991-2011). Trained kitchen staff in vegan and raw vegan food preparation (Usha Institute, 1991-2011). Catered vegan and raw vegan cuisine for catered events and packaged goods for retail distribution. (Enjoy Living Foods!, 1991-1993). Conceptualized and prepared daily entrees, as well as prepared and served standard menu items to customers in a retail cafe setting. (Berwyn Cafe, 1985-1986). Serve as an instructor in dance and yoga on a paid and volunteer basis (Consultant, 1983-Present). Served on Adjunct Faculty, instructing an advanced-level African Dance course (Virginia Commonwealth University, 1986-1990). Serve as Artistic Director and performer in a stage production highlighting health and healing. (The Healing Caravan, 2007-Present). EMPLOYMENT END DATE NOT APPLICABLE; PRESENTLY AVAILABLE AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Project Manager
Dance UmbrellaMay 2009 - Jul 2009 | Austin, Texas

Show more Responsible for supervisory and administrative logistics in setup and execution of a 2-week youth dance camp and performance, which included a professional dance company as &ldquo;artists in residence.&rdquo; Responsibilities included supervising administrative staff, serving as liaison for the Executive Director to parents, performers, staff, vendors and underwriters, recruiting camp participants, soliciting for sponsors and scholarship underwriters, identifying media outlets and disseminating press information, networking with community groups, employing writing/editing expertise in the generation of press releases, advertising copy, and parent correspondence, hosting performers and coordinating hospitality, collecting camp fees, ticket fees, and managing group sales, as well as serving as announcer/host for the performance, and general spokesperson for the project. (TWO-MONTH CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT)

Actor
Acclaim TalentAug 1999 - Nov 2012 | Austin, Texas

Show more Agency representation affords auditions/job bookings for acting opportunities locally, regionally, and nationally. Assignments include work in print, voice-over, television, film, internet, and corporate industrial.\nEMPLOYMENT END DATE NOT APPLICABLE

Show more Conceptualize and orchestrate repertoire for performance project through multiple artistic mediums including live music/vocals, dance, video media, and original poetry. Manage all administrative aspects of the project including writing proposals, drafting and disseminating press releases, designing and disseminating promotional fliers, recruiting and coordinating talent, and negotiating and securing performance contracts. EMPLOYMENT END DATE NOT APPLICABLE

Show more Demonstrate beer and wine samples to Sam&rsquo;s Club members in the Austin, TX area. TABC Certification required. Responsibilities include attending training for each assignment, dispensing knowledge of the products with a personable, confident and professional demeanor, maintaining accurate statistical data, photo documenting the demo site, and setup/breakdown of demo site. PRESENTLY EMPLOYED

Vocalist
Heaven RecordsApr 2011 - Nov 2012 | Austin , Texas

Show more Perform as vocalist in live and recorded music project in Austin, Texas. Responsibilities include learning music repertoire. Develop background harmonies for adoption into the repertoire. PRESENTLY EMPLOYED